MANILA, Philippines – A group which took part in the filing of a petition against Manila Water has welcomed the decision of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to penalize the water concessionaire for service interruptions last March.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary General Renato Reyes on Wednesday said that the decision can be used by the MWSS Regulatory Office (RO) to lower rates as compensation for the troubles Manila Water customers had to endure.
“We welcome the penalties imposed on Manila Water for the service interruption that affected millions since March. Article 10.4 of the Manila Water contract states that penalty payments should be rebated to consumers in a manner deemed appropriate by the MWSS RO,” Reyes said in a statement.
“These penalty payments can be used to lower rates or as compensation for the added expenses and inconvenience experienced by consumers,” he explained.
Earlier, the MWSS Board of Trustees announced that they are imposing a P1.13 billion fine against Manila Water, including P534 million for service irregularities and P600 million for the concessionaire to develop a new water source.
Currently, Manila Water sources its water from La Mesa Dam, which experienced a decrease in its water level because of the dry season.
READ: MWSS fines Manila Water for supply shortage
Last March 25, Bayan, along with Bayan Muna party-list and other residents in the east zone concession area filed a petition before the RO, asking MWSS to penalize Manila Water, waive its minimum charge, and suspend all impending rate hikes until a thorough review.
A day after, Manila Water officials announced that they have waived the minimum charge for all customers affected by the water shortage, while households and establishments without water for seven days or more will not be charged in their April billing.
READ: Groups want Manila Water penalized
READ: Manila Water waiving minimum charge in April over supply woes
Reyes said they expect Manila Water to comply with the board’s decision, and the MWSS to call a public hearing regarding the rebates and deny the company’s requests for rate hikes.
“We expect Manila Water to comply immediately and not bring the matter to arbitration. We expect that MWSS will call for a public hearing and explain the mechanics of the rebate,” he said. /gsg